🥩 Tender Beef Strips Sautéed with Caramelized Onions
A comforting, savory dish featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef strips and sweet golden caramelized onions. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or tucked into warm flatbreads for a satisfying meal.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced across the grain
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for depth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
🍳 Instructions:
- Prepare the beef: Pat beef strips dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Caramelize onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic & thyme: In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté garlic and thyme for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook beef strips: Increase heat to medium-high. Add beef strips in a single layer (in batches if needed) and sear quickly for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender.
- Combine & finish: Return caramelized onions to the pan. Stir to coat and warm through for 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of pan juices.
🍽️ Servings:
- Makes 3–4 servings
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, polenta, or wrapped in pita/flatbread
🧠 Notes:
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Caramelizing onions slowly over low heat brings out their natural sweetness—don’t rush this step!
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated without losing flavor.
💡 Tips:
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear on the beef.
- If the pan becomes dry, add a splash of beef broth or water to deglaze.
- For added umami, stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce with the onions.
- Let the beef come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even searing.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 320–370 kcal
- Protein: 28–32g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6–8g (mostly from onions)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4–5g
Values vary depending on cut of beef and oil usage.
✅ Benefits:
- High-protein meal great for muscle support and satiety
- Low in carbs, ideal for low-carb or keto-friendly diets
- Onions are rich in antioxidants and add natural sweetness without sugar
- Versatile base for meal prep or customization with grains/veggies
❓ Q&A:
Q: What’s the best beef cut for this dish?
A: Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak work best—tender and quick-cooking when sliced thin.
Q: Can I use ground beef instead?
A: Yes, but the texture will be different. Sauté ground beef first, then stir in caramelized onions.
Q: Can this be made in advance?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve tenderness.
Q: What can I pair this with?
A: It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even noodles.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.